View the Director's This Epic Preview in a Manner It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It firmly sits as one of the most awaited motion pictures coming next year. In a festive surprise, a preview has now been released, even if it's compromised due to the platform's low-quality encoding—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with her husband to vow he will return, to which he look up and question what happens if he cannot. Furthermore, the preview provides a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Based upon a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph in the Trojan War, which is depicted within the companion epic, the king faces a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
Along his path, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. These include the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to get back to Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
This film's ensemble boasts an impressive lineup. Alongside the leading trio are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has inspired numerous adaptations throughout history. Examples include modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. There has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser later made its way onto the internet soon after.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the movie's verified account may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
